the ps3 is the best media player i have ever owned. Only downfall at the moment is it wont play MKV's but with the use of TVersity (Freeware) it will stream over the network no probs. Its the only reason i bought a PS3 i dont play games but the girlfriend does. But seriously as a media player it is hard to beat. Linux on it is ok a little slow if you ask me. but if you were gonna install that just for VLC or some other media player software dont bother just use the PS3 on the network.
L8rs
LawlessPPC